Port Harcourt, Nigeria — In a landmark moment for Nigeria and the entire African continent, Rotary International has selected Rtn. Olayinka Hakeem Babalola to serve as its President for the 2026-2027 Rotary year. The announcement marks the second time a Nigerian has been chosen to lead the global humanitarian organization.
Africa Update gathered that Babalola will be occupying this position years after Late Jonathan Majiyagbe of the Rotary Club of Kano, who had led Rotary International during the 2003/2004 Rotary year. A lawyer by profession, Majiyagbe joined Rotary in 1967, and was a member of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro and a past member of the Rotary Club of Kano.
The news was received with immense pride by Rotary International District 9141, where Babalola is a distinguished member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi. A press statement from District Governor Rtn. Anthony Osaretin Woghiren celebrated the appointment as a testament to the quality of leadership nurtured within the region.
The press statement sighted by Africa Update reads: PRESS STATEMENT
From the Office of the District Governor, Rotary International District 9141
Date: 29 August 2025
It is with immense joy and pride that we in Rotary International District 9141 celebrate the announcement by the Board of Directors of Rotary International that Rtn. Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, a distinguished member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi, has been selected to serve as Rotary International President for the 2026–27 Rotary year. His term will commence on 1 July 2026.
Rtn. Yinka’s Rotary journey, which began in 1988 as a Rotaractor, has been marked by exemplary service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the ideals of Rotary. Rising through the ranks of our great organisation, he has served with distinction as District Governor of District 9140 (2011–12), Vice President of Rotary International (2019–20), and as a member of the RI Board of Directors (2018–20). His impactful contributions include active leadership roles in the End Polio Now Countdown to History Campaign Committee, the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee, and several other Rotary initiatives that have transformed lives globally.
Beyond Rotary, Rtn. Yinka is a consummate professional whose career in the oil and gas industry spans over 25 years across four continents. He is also the founder of Riviera Services Ltd. and Lead and Change Consulting. His work as an executive coach, mentor, and change leader further underscores his capacity to guide an organisation as dynamic and global as Rotary International.
This appointment is not only a personal honour for Rtn. Yinka and his family, but also a historic moment for District 9141, Nigeria, and the African continent. It is a testament to the quality of leadership nurtured within our district and the value of service that Rotary inspires in its members.
On behalf of the clubs and Rotarians of District 9141, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rtn. Olayinka Hakeem Babalola and his dear wife, Preba. We are confident that under his stewardship, Rotary International will continue to scale greater heights in advancing peace, promoting goodwill, and delivering impactful service to humanity.
District 9141 stands ready to support his vision and leadership as we look forward to a year of renewed inspiration and strengthened commitment to Service Above Self.
Rtn. Anthony Osaretin Woghiren
District Governor, 2025–26
Rotary International District 9141
